Sanitary apparatus

ABSTRACT

This invention concerns a sanitary apparatus, and more particularly a hydraulically-activated cleanser dispensing device for use with, for example, a hands-free tap system.  
     In one form the invention provides a sanitary apparatus for dispensing cleanser and water, including a water supply line to deliver water to a water outlet, and a hydraulically activated liquid cleanser dispenser device connectable to said water supply line and operable by way of water pressure in said water supply line to deliver cleanser to a cleanser outlet, a valve system provided in said water supply line being operable to selectively deliver water to said water outlet and to selectively apply the water pressure in said water supply line to said liquid cleanser dispenser device.  
     No additional liquid cleanser pump is required, as the cleanser is dispensed by action of the water supply pressure.  
     In a further form the invention provides a sanitary apparatus for delivery of liquid cleanser and water to a user, including a liquid cleanser outlet for delivering liquid cleanser to the hands or body of a user, said outlet being provided within a water outlet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention concerns a sanitary apparatus, and more particularly a hydraulically-activated cleanser dispensing device for use with, for example, a hands-free tap system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Automated tap systems of the “hands-free” type are increasingly used in public, domestic, and institutional situations, where dangers from re-contamination and cross contamination exist. An increase in food poisoning worldwide can be attributed at least partly to a lack of personal hygiene. Even when hands are washed properly there remains the very real risk of re-contamination after washing due to hand contact with taps, etc. Hands-free devices are often used in hospitals to avoid the risk of cross contamination when taps are handled after the user's hands have been washed, but an enormous number of other functions would benefit greatly from more widespread use of such systems. The most desirable situation for community hygiene standards would involve having wholly hands-free devices in all public and private amenities, such as in public toilets, food preparation and processing areas, in customer facilities in cafes, restaurants, canteens, etc., eating facilities in schools and universities, entertainment areas, domestic kitchens and bathrooms, and in all transport systems (land, sea and air).

[0003] A potential problem—in addition to the risk of contamination due to handling of taps—is the use of soap and other cleansers. Bar soap is a very effective means of cross contamination, while soap dispensers activated by way of hand-operated plungers, for example, can also carry contamination from user to user. Ideally, a hands-free tap system will include means for the hands-free dispensing of cleanser as well as washing water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides in a first aspect a sanitary apparatus for dispensing cleanser and water, including a water supply line to deliver water to a water outlet, and a hydraulically activated liquid cleanser dispenser device connectable to said water supply line and operable by way of water pressure in said water supply line to deliver cleanser to a cleanser outlet, a valve system provided in said water supply line being operable to selectively deliver water to said water outlet and to selectively apply the water pressure in said water supply line to said liquid cleanser dispenser device, wherein the valve system includes a first valve in the water supply line upstream of a connection to said liquid cleanser dispenser device, and a second valve downstream of the connection to said device, such that when both valves are open water is able to flow from said water outlet, and when said second valve is closed the liquid cleanser dispenser device is operated to deliver a dose of cleanser to said cleanser outlet.

[0005] The invention thus provides the significant advantage, both in terms of simplicity and economy, that no additional liquid cleanser pump is required, the cleanser being dispensed by action of the water supply pressure.

[0006] In this specification and claims, it is to be understood that the term “cleanser” is intended to embrace any product that may be used in association with a tap system or other sanitary system, including soap, soap-free cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, disinfectant solutions, antibacterial solutions and sanitising agents.

[0007] By way of example, the apparatus of the invention can be used with a hand washing system, or alternatively with a shower system. In the case of the use of the invention with a tap or shower system, the cleanser outlet is preferably located at or in the vicinity of the water outlet.

[0008] Preferably said valve system in the water supply line is controllable by way of a controller to provide a timed sequence of water and cleanser delivery.

[0009] Ideally, the controller is of electronic form, such as a microprocessor controller, and the timed sequence is automatically initiated by a remote sensor device arranged in the vicinity of the water outlet.

[0010] The liquid cleanser dispenser device may include a dispenser body defining a tubular bore containing a piston, said dispenser body being connectable to said water supply line to allow water pressure in said water supply line to act on said piston, movement of said piston acting to deliver a dose of liquid cleanser to said cleanser dispenser outlet.

[0011] Preferably said piston is biased by a resilient means to a first position, a cleanser dosing volume being defined within said dispenser body, said dosing volume being connectable to a source of liquid cleanser and to said cleanser outlet, such that movement of said piston from said first to a second position under action of water pressure in said water supply line forces said liquid cleanser dose to said cleanser outlet, whilst movement of said piston from said second to said first position under action of said resilient means draws a dose of cleanser from said cleanser source into said dosing volume.

[0012] Preferably, said dosing volume is connectable to said cleanser source by way of a first one-way valve, whilst said dosing volume is connectable to said cleanser outlet by way of a second one-way valve.

[0013] In one embodiment, two pistons may be provided within said dispenser body, a first piston arranged to be acted upon by water pressure in the water supply line and to drive a second piston, said second piston being arranged to deliver said liquid cleanser dose, a vent orifice being provided in said dispenser body between said first and second pistons. The two pistons may be part of a unitary body.

[0014] Ideally, the liquid cleanser dispenser device acts as a backflow prevention device in the water supply line. To this purpose said first piston may be constructed and arranged to form a one-way valve within the dispenser body, such that a partial vacuum acting at said connection in the water supply line to said liquid cleanser dispenser device will cause air to be drawn in through said vent orifice.

[0015] Preferably, the liquid cleanser dispensing device is mounted such that the axis of the tubular bore is vertical, the piston movement from said first position to said second position being in a downward direction.

[0016] Any suitable alternative form of positive displacement pump means may be used in place of a piston arrangement. For example, a diaphragm pump may be employed, making use of the water pressure in the water supply line acting on a flexible diaphragm wall to drive the liquid cleanser dose from a volume defined in part by the diaphragm wall.

[0017] The apparatus of the invention may be provided with a sanitising unit connectable to a point in the cleanser supply line, preferably to said liquid cleanser dispenser device near to said dosing volume.

[0018] The sanitising unit may include a hot water supply line connecting a hot water source to said point in the cleanser supply line, a source of sanitising agent being connectable to said hot water supply line such that hot water can entrain and convey sanitising agent. Preferably said source of sanitising agent is connectable to said hot water supply line by means of a venturi valve. The hot water supply line preferably features a valve, such as an electrical solenoid valve, for selective operation of said sanitising unit, and a one-way valve to prevent backflow.

[0019] In a further aspect, the invention provides a liquid cleanser outlet for delivering liquid cleanser to the hands or body of a user, said outlet being provided within a water outlet.

[0020] This provides the significant advantage that only a single spout is needed, reduced space and rendering the spout and fittings easier to keep clean, an important factor in a hygienic environment.

[0021] Preferably, a cleanser supply line conveying liquid cleanser passes along the inside of the water supply pipe supplying said outlet. In one form of the invention, said liquid cleanser outlet is mounted substantially centrally of said water outlet.

[0022] In a preferred form, a T-piece connection fitting is used to provide fluid connection to said water supply pipe and to said cleanser supply line, the leg of the T-piece connection fitting coupling to a water supply line, a first arm of said fitting coupling to said water supply pipe to supply said water outlet, the cleanser supply line passing into the second arm of said fitting and continuing via said first arm within said water supply pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024]FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a sanitary apparatus for hand washing according to the invention;

[0025]FIG. 2 illustrates in cross section the hydraulically-activated soap dispensing device of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of the sanitary apparatus of the invention;

[0027]FIG. 4 illustrates in cross section the hydraulically-activated soap dispensing device of the apparatus of FIG. 3;

[0028]FIG. 5 shows in cross section a soap dispensing device in an alternative form;

[0029]FIG. 6 shows the device of FIG. 5 incorporated into a sanitary apparatus for hand washing;

[0030]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate, according to the invention, the incorporation of a soap dispensing outlet into a faucet; and

[0031]FIG. 9 shows a circuit diagram of an electronic controller for a sanitary apparatus according to the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The apparatus of FIG. 1 comprises a hands-free tap system 10 for use in environments where the risk of contamination is to be minimised. The hands-free tap system includes a faucet 12 over a washbasin 16, faucet 12 being supplied with water at a controlled temperature through water pipe 14, and with liquid soap for hand washing through soap pipe 15. In the vicinity of basin 16, for example in the backwall of the basin fixture, is disposed a proximity sensor 13. Such sensors are well known in the art for such purposes as automated toilet flushing and tap operation, and may comprise a photocell, an infrared transmitter/receiver unit, or similar. Sensor 13 is arranged to provide a signal to an electronic controller 24 which controls a predetermined timing sequence for the provision of water and soap to faucet 12, as will be described below.

[0033] Cold water and hot water are supplied to a thermostatic mixing valve 20, which delivers water at a predetermined temperature to pipe 21 and which can be arranged to maintain an output water temperature within a certain temperature range even when, for example, the mains cold water pressure drops.

[0034] The water passes by way of two solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 to water pipe 14 to be supplied to faucet 12, SV1 being a normally closed solenoid valve and SV2 being a normally open solenoid valve, both valves being biased into their normal positions by spring elements, and being controlled for activation by electronic controller 24. Water pipe lengths 22 and 23 link valves SV1 and SV2, between which pipe lengths a soap dispenser 30 is mounted, hydraulically activated by way of water pressure as explained below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0035] Soap dispenser 30 comprises a generally tubular hollow body 32 sealingly coupled to the leg of a T-piece 31, the two arms of which connect to pipe lengths 22 and 23 to conduct the water supplied from mixing valve 20 to faucet 12. Within hollow body 32 is arranged a piston 33 biased towards T-piece 31 by a helical spring 34, to define a dosing volume 35. Dosing volume 35 connects to an inlet/outlet 36 which is connectable to external pipes by way of two non-return valves 37 and 38 as shown.

[0036] Liquid soap is contained within a soap container 25 which features an output soap pipe 26, pipe 26 being connected to inlet/outlet 36 through non-return valve 37. Soap dispenser inlet/outlet 36 is coupled to soap pipe 15 through non-return valve 38. The liquid soap used is preferably of a biodegradable variety and may contain an anti-bacterial agent. Soap dispenser 30 is therefore able to draw and dispense doses of liquid soap from container 25 by the operation of piston 33, and piston 33 is operable by the water pressure in T-piece 31. Water pressure acting in T-piece 31 will serve to drive piston 33 towards the right of FIG. 2, so dispensing a dose of liquid soap from dosing volume 35 through non-return valve 38. When the water pressure in T-piece 31 drops, helical spring 34 serves to return piston 33 towards the left of FIG. 2, so drawing a dose of liquid soap from container 25 through valve 37 ready for the next actuation.

[0037] A typical operational cycle, initiated by activation of sensor 13, will now be described, although it is understood that the actual selected sequence and timing of the operating protocol employed will be dictated by the operational requirements of the particular environment in which the device is to be used. Tap Operation System Operation 1. Supply water in order Open SV1 to supply water to faucet. to wet hands 2. Supply soap Close SV2 to stop water supply to faucet and activate piston 33, so delivering dose of liquid soap. 3. Pause, allowing user Close SV1 to stop water pressure to lather soap activation of piston 33, so ending soap delivery. 4. Supply rinse water Open SV1 and SV2 to supply water to faucet and allow recharging of dosing volume 35. 5. End sequence Close SV1 to stop water supply, ready for next activation

[0038] As an alternative to the apparatus of FIG. 1 described above, normally open solenoid valve SV2 may be replaced by a normally closed solenoid valve, generally a more inexpensive item. In this embodiment, the timing sequence is as follows: 1. Open SV1 and SV2 to supply water to the faucet. 2. Close SV2 to stop water supply to faucet and activate the soap dispenser. 3. Close SV1 to end soap dispensing. Pause for lathering. 4. Open SV1 and SV2 to supply rinse water. Soap dose recharging. 5. Close SV1 6. Close SV2 after short time interval, to avoid unwanted activation of soap dispenser.

[0039] The apparatus of FIG. 1 is particularly intended for domestic use, For industrial and institutional use it is especially important to minimise leakage between the water supply and the soap dispenser, and the apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 4 is specifically designed for such a purpose. For clarity, neither sensor 13 nor electronic controller 24 are illustrated in FIG. 3. The apparatus shown includes a sanitising unit to permit sanitising of the outlet of the soap dispenser, as will be described below.

[0040] Soap dispenser 130 (FIG. 4) features two pistons 133 and 233 within a generally tubular hollow body 132 as shown, the two pistons biased towards the water supply connection T-piece 131 by helical springs respectively 134 and 234. Piston 233 includes an elongated extension, axially disposed within tubular body 132 as shown and extending as far as piston 133, such that it may be driven by the movement of piston 133. Pistons 133 and 233 may if desired be integral parts of a unitary element.

[0041] Tubular body 132 is provided with a vent orifice 0 disposed between pistons 133 and 233 connecting the interior of the body to the environment. Vent orifice 0 provides an outlet for any water which might inadvertently pass piston 133, and thus prevents any risk of such water reaching soap dosing volume 235. Piston 133 therefore serves to be activated by water pressure acting in T-piece 131, while piston 233 serves to draw and dispense the soap doses.

[0042] At the inlet/outlet 236 of dosing volume 235 a further connection T-piece 240 is provided, sealingly coupled to tubular body 132 as shown. This T-piece 240 provides the soap inlet from soap pipe 26 and the soap outlet to soap pipe 15, as well as non-return valves 237 and 238. Additionally, T-piece 240 provides a further connection port 46 for supply of sanitising fluid to the outlet of soap dispenser 130, to allow sanitising of the soap outlet. For this purpose, the apparatus includes a hot water pipe 40 coupled to the hot water line, connecting to an electronically operated normally closed solenoid valve SV3 (which may also be controlled by electronic controller 24), which in turn connects via water pipe 41 to a venturi valve 43 coupled to a container of a sanitising solution. The water flow continues via water pipe 45 and non-return valve 44 to port 46 of the outlet of soap dispensing device 130.

[0043] When it is desired to sanitise the soap dispenser outlet, valve SV3 is operated to deliver hot water to venturi 43, which will draw sanitising solution from container 42 at the required concentration. The solution is then delivered via non-return valve 44 to the soap dispenser outlet. The sanitising unit may be operated by electronic controller 24 to provide regular controlled sanitising of the soap dispensing system or may alternatively be operated manually to reduce costs.

[0044] The alternative soap dispensing device of FIG. 5 features two pistons 333 and 433 forming a unitary element as shown, biased by a single helical spring 334. A vent orifice 0 is provided between the two pistons, and the device also includes a centrally-disposed axial inlet port and a radial outlet port as shown.

[0045] For assembly, the tubular body of soap dispensing device 330 comprises two separate body parts 332 and 332′, which may be sealingly fitted together by way of an interference fit or screw-thread coupling once piston assembly 333; 433 has been introduced. A grub screw G is used to fix the two-part tubular body once assembled.

[0046]FIG. 6 shows how the device is incorporated into the sanitary apparatus. It is to be noted that, as well as providing a drain outlet for any soap which may inadvertently leak past piston 433 from the dosing volume, vent orifice 0 in combination with piston 333 provides a one-way valve backflow prevention device for the entire downstream water system. If a partial vacuum should occur in the hot or cold water supply lines, this suction will cause the seal created by the annular rubber skirt (see FIG. 5) of piston 333 to break, drawing air in through vent orifice 0 and so ensuring water cannot be drawn back from the tap system. Such a supply line backflow prevention means is required by standards for such appliances (for example, Australian Standard AS 3500 concerning chemical dispensers in sanitary systems), and to comply with such standards vent orifice 0 is of at least 20 mm in length. Further, the dispensing device is mounted in a vertical orientation as illustrated in FIG. 6, with vent orifice 0 positioned below the level at which the water supply connects to the dispensing device.

[0047] The soap outlet at tap system 10 is disposed internally of faucet 12, and a connection T-piece 50 is provided to afford this (FIG. 7), T-fittings being generally approved elements of water supply systems. Water enters from water pipe 14 at the leg of T-piece 50, while soap pipe 15 is sealingly connected within one of the arms of the T-piece. Soap pipe 15 then continues running internally of the water supply conduit, and exiting T-piece 50 along the other arm, as shown. As FIG. 8 shows, outlet 51 of soap pipe 15 is mounted centrally within the outlet of faucet 12 by a perforated disc-like element 52. This arrangement enables the user to receive water and soap without moving his or her hands and also minimises the complexity of the tap system and the space it uses.

[0048] The electronic controller 24 shown in circuit diagram form in FIG. 9 includes a power circuit 400 running from a 24 volt AC power supply 401, and including a start switch 402 activated by electronic proximity sensor 13 to initiate a timed operational cycle. This power circuit is able to activate solenoids SV1 and SV2 under control of the control electronics, and the circuit shown in FIG. 9 is appropriate to provide the second of the two typical operational cycles described by way of example above, ie, using two normally closed solenoid valves.

[0049] The electronic controller includes a primer circuit 403, having a priming switch 404, and five valve control circuits a, b, c, d and e. The controller is initially activated by closing priming switch 404, which serves to operate the two solenoids in rapid succession to cause the soap dispenser to stroke quickly and prime the dosing volume ready for the first use. Each circuit a to e incorporates an integrated circuit (in this case a 555 timer) 405, and the circuits provide the following functions:

[0050] a: Solenoids SV1 and SV2 on;

[0051] b: Solenoid SV1 off, solenoid SV2 on;

[0052] c: Solenoids SV1 and SV2 off;

[0053] d: Solenoids SV1 and SV2 on;

[0054] e: Solenoids SV1 and SV2 off.

[0055] Circuit e operates to time the system out to ensure that the cycle is not inadvertently restarted whilst a user's hands are in the final washing stages in the vicinity of proximity sensor 13.

[0056] The operating cycle of the apparatus, as well as the type of soap container and type of inlet and outlet, can be varied to suit the operational requirements of the environment in which it is to be employed, but the whole cycle can be arranged to take as little as (say) 20 seconds and use just (say) 0.25L of water. The electronic controller 24 can also incorporate means to control the water temperature provided by mixing valve 20, adjusting for varying water pressure. A warning light may be included in the apparatus to indicate when soap container 25 needs replacing/refilling.

[0057] Additional features can be incorporated into the apparatus, such as a hand wash counter to monitor use, and a timer to monitor handwashing duration by way of sensor 13. As an alternative to proximity sensor 13, the operating cycle may be initiated by a mechanical switch, such as a footswitch, elbow switch or other.

[0058] The invention has been described above with reference to a hands free tap system, but it is to be understood that it is equally applicable to any water delivery system. For example, it is well suited for incorporation into a shower system, in which soap, shampoo and conditioner can be sequentially provided to a user. Furthermore, it may be used with a water supply to a toilet system, in order to supply disinfectant or other sanitising agent to the bowl or cistern.

[0059] It should be understood that the above disclosure described only preferred embodiments of the invention, and that various modifications, alterations and/or additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sanitary apparatus for dispensing cleanser and water, comprising a water supply line to deliver water to a water outlet, and a hydraulically activated liquid cleanser dispenser device connectable to said water supply line and operable by way of water pressure in said water supply line to deliver cleanser to a cleanser outlet, a valve system provided in said water supply line being operable to selectively deliver water to said water outlet and to selectively apply the water pressure in said water supply line to said liquid cleanser dispenser device, wherein the valve system comprises a first valve in the water supply line upstream of a connection to said liquid cleanser dispenser device, and a second valve downstream of the connection to said device, such that when both valves are open water is able to flow from said water outlet, and when said second valve is closed the liquid cleanser dispenser device is operated to deliver a dose of cleanser to said cleanser outlet.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleanser outlet is located at or in the vicinity of said water outlet.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, said valve system in the water supply line being controllable by way of a controller to provide a timed sequence of water and cleanser delivery.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the controller is of electronic form, and the timed sequence is automatically initiated by a remote sensor device.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid cleanser dispenser device comprises a dispenser body defining a tubular bore containing a piston, said dispenser body being connectable to said water supply line to allow water pressure in said water supply line to act on said piston, movement of said piston acting to deliver a dose of liquid cleanser to said cleanser outlet.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, said piston being biased by a resilient means to a first position, a cleanser dosing volume being defined within said dispenser body, said dosing volume being connectable to a source of liquid cleanser and to said cleanser outlet, such that movement of said piston from said first to a second position under action of water pressure in said water supply line forces a liquid cleanser dose to said cleanser outlet, whilst movement of said piston from said second to said first position under action of said resilient means draws a dose of cleanser from said cleanser source into said dosing volume.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said dosing volume is connectable to said cleanser source by way of a first one-way valve, whilst said dosing volume is connectable to said cleanser outlet by way of a second one-way valve.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein two pistons are provided within said dispenser body, a first piston arranged to be acted upon by water pressure in the water supply line and to drive a second piston, said second piston being arranged to deliver said liquid cleanser dose, a vent orifice being provided in said dispenser body between said first and second pistons.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, the two pistons being part of a unitary body.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first piston is constructed and arranged to form a one-way valve within the dispenser body such that a partial vacuum acting at said connection in the water supply line to said liquid cleanser dispenser device will cause air to be drawn in through said vent orifice, thereby permitting the liquid cleanser dispenser device to act as a backflow prevention device in the water supply line.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid cleanser dispensing device is mounted such that the axis of the tubular bore is vertical, the piston movement from said first position to said second position being in a downward direction.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1 provided with a sanitising unit connectable to a point in the cleanser supply line.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sanitising unit is connectable to said liquid cleanser dispenser device near to said dosing volume.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 12 comprising a hot water supply line connecting a hot water source to said point in the cleanser supply line, a source of sanitising agent being connectable to said hot water supply line such that hot water can entrain and convey sanitising agent.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said source of sanitising agent is connectable to said hot water supply line by means of a venturi valve.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the hot water supply line is provided with a valve for selective operation of said sanitising unit, and a one-way valve to prevent backflow.
 17. A sanitary apparatus for delivery of liquid cleanser and water to a user, comprising a liquid cleanser outlet for delivering liquid cleanser to the hands or body of a user, said outlet being provided within a water outlet, and wherein the liquid cleanser outlet and the water outlet are separate outlets.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 17, including a cleanser supply line conveying liquid cleanser passing along the inside of a water supply pipe supplying said outlet.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 18, said liquid cleanser outlet being mounted substantially centrally of said water outlet.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 18 comprising a T-piece connection fitting used to provide fluid connection to said water supply pipe and to said cleanser supply line, the leg of the T-piece connection fitting coupling to a water supply line, a first arm of said fitting coupling to said water supply pipe to supply said water outlet, the cleanser supply line passing into the second arm of said fitting and continuing via said first arm within said water supply pipe.
 21. An apparatus according to claim 1 for use with a cleanser selected from the group of soap, soap-free cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, disinfectant solution, antibacterial solution and sanitising agent.
 22. An apparatus according to claim 1, the water outlet being a shower head and the cleanser outlet being provided at or in the vicinity of the shower head.
 23. An apparatus according to claim 1, the water outlet being a hand faucet and the cleanser outlet being provided at or in the vicinity of the hand faucet.
 24. An apparatus according to claim 1, for use in a water supply system to a toilet. 